5 life skills teens aren’t learning enough in school
Skills every teen should learn
Quick summary
- Many young people leave school without key life skills to help them through adulthood
- From budgeting basics to digital wellbeing, these life skills are essential for independence and confidence and yet too often, they’re missing from the classroom
- That’s where tools like luna can help – the app gives teens expert-reviewed content, mood and period tracking, and real-world lessons to build resilience, self-awareness, and healthy habits for life
School teaches academics, but there are some essential life skills that teens are leaving school without.
From managing money to taking care of their mental health, these gaps can leave teens unprepared for the real world.
Here are five life skills teens aren’t learning enough in school, and why they matter.
1. Money management and budgeting basics
Understanding money is more than just knowing how to count it.
Budgeting, saving, and planning for expenses are crucial skills that can set teens up for financial independence.
Yet, many teens finish school without this knowledge.
In fact, we learnt recently from a 2025 luna app poll that around 70% of teens don’t feel fully confident about money management and want to learn more about saving, spending, and using bank cards
There are some great options out there which can offer support though!
With a prepaid debit card, app, and built-in Money Missions, GoHenry can help teens budget their money and get to know the best ways to manage their finances.
2. Managing stress levels
Stress is part of life, but teens are reporting alarmingly high levels.
According to a recent study by luna, 9 in 10 teen girls say they are stressed at least half the time, and over a third point to school-related pressure as their biggest source of stress!
Learning stress management techniques – from mindfulness to planning downtime – is essential.
Having open and honest conversations with teens about the effects of stress is useful, too.
That's where luna can help, with articles, videos, quizzes and mood tracking that can help them recognise triggers and manage their stress.
3. Puberty and period health
luna also found in a study that nearly 3 in 4 teen girls report that their school’s period education is lacking.
Understanding puberty and menstrual health isn’t just about biology – it’s about self-awareness, confidence, and making informed health decisions.
Providing teens with accessible, reliable resources can fill these gaps.
luna offers doctor-reviewed educational content alongside period and mood tracking, helping teens feel empowered to manage their health confidently.
4. Digital safety and wellbeing
Scrolling through social media can be draining: nearly half of the teen girls luna surveyed said it makes them feel unproductive and low on energy.
Digital literacy isn’t just about knowing what to click – it’s about understanding the impact on mental health and making conscious choices online.
You can help your teens with digital safety and wellbeing by exploring digital detoxes together and keeping on top of your screen time.
luna is also full of content to help your teen manage their phone use, learn about spotting misinformation on line, and have a healthy, safe space to turn to when they do want to use their phone.
5. Self-advocacy and decision-making
Teens are often left to navigate big decisions – from choosing electives to managing personal health – without guidance on self-advocacy or problem-solving.
Learning to speak up for themselves and make informed choices is a critical life skill that schools rarely teach.
By providing resources for tracking progress, setting goals, and reflecting on decisions, you can help your teen practice self-advocacy in small, manageable steps.
Little things may help too, such as celebrating when they do speak up, and helping them build a confident voice by validating when they do share something.
Why these skills matter
These five life skills are essential for independence, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.
Teens who develop these skills are often better prepared for the challenges of adulthood, from managing money and stress to navigating social and digital landscapes.
So supporting teens in learning these skills outside the classroom can make a big difference.
Whether it’s through apps like luna or other resources, giving teens the tools to succeed in life builds confidence, competence, and long-term resilience.
How we created this article:
luna's team of experts comprises GPs, Dermatologists, Safeguarding Leads and Junior Doctors as well as Medical Students with specialised interests in paediatric care, mental health and gynaecology. All articles are created by experts, and reviewed by a member of luna's senior review team.
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